Concept Map
Concept maps graphically illustrate relationships between two or more
concepts and are linked by words that describe their relationship.
Webs
Brainstorming webs show how different categories of information relate to one
another.
Mind Map
Mind Maps are visual representations of hierarchical information that include a
central idea or image surrounded by connected branches of associated topics or
ideas.
Star
If the topic involves investigating attributes associated with a single topic, use a star
diagram as your graphic organizer. Example: Finding methods that help your study
skills (like taking notes, reading, doing homework, memorizing, etc.).
Spider Map
If the topic involves investigating attributes associated with a single topic, and then obtaining more details on each of these ideas, use a spider diagram as your graphic organizer. This is like the star graphic organizer with one more level of detail. Example: Finding methods that help your study skills (like taking notes, reading, memorizing, etc.), and investigating the factors involved in performing each of the methods.
Fishbone Map
If the topic involves investigating multiple cause-and-effect factors associated with a complex topic and how they inter-relate, use a fishbone diagram as your graphic organizer. Example: Examining the effects of improved farming methods.
Cloud/Cluster Diagram
If the topic involves generating a web of ideas based on a stimulus topic, use a clustering diagram as your graphic organizer. Example: brainstorming.
Tree Diagram
If the topic involves a chain of events with a beginning and with multiple outcomes at each node (like a family tree), use a tree as your graphic organizer. Example: Displaying the probabilistic results of tossing coins.
Initiating Event
Second Event
Third Event
Outcome
Chain of Events
If the topic involves a linear chain of events, with a definite beginning, middle, and end, use a chain of events graphic organizer. Example: Analyzing the plot of a story.
Continuum/Timeline
If the topic has definite beginning and ending points, and a number of divisions or sequences in between, use a continuum/timeline. Example: Displaying milestones in a person's life.
Clock
If the topic involves a clock-like cycle, use a clock graphic organizer. Example topic: Recording the events in a typical school day or making a story clock to summarize a story.
Cycle of Events
If the topic involves a recurring cycle of events, with no beginning and no end, use a
cyclic graphic organizer. Example topic: Documenting the stages in the lifecycle of an
animal.
Flow Chart
If the topic involves a chain of instructions to follow, with a beginning and multiple
possible outcomes at some node, with rules at some nodes, use a flowchart. Example:
Computer programmers sometimes use flowcharts to organize the algorithm before
writing a program.
Venn Diagram
If the task involves examining the similarities and differences between two or three items, use a Venn diagram. Example: Examining the similarities and differences between fish and whales, or comparing a book and the accompanying movie.
Chart Matrix Diagram
If the task involves condensing and organizing data about traits of many items, use a chart/matrix. Example: Creating a display of key inventions, who invented them, when, where and why they were invented, etc.
Y-Chart Diagram
If the task involves analyzing and organizing with respect to three qualities, use a Y-Chart. Example: Fill out a Y-Chart to describe what you know about an animal, including what it looks like, what it sounds like, and what it feels like. Or describe a character in a book, including what the charater looks like, sounds like, and how the charater feels.
T-Chart Diagram
If the task involves analyzing or comparing with two aspects of the topic, use a T-Chart. Example: Fill out a T-Chart to evaluate the pros and cons associated with a decision.
T-Chart Diagram
If the task involves distinguishing the facts vs. the opinions in a theme or text, use fact/opinion charts. Example: Fill out a fact/opinion chart to evaluate the facts and opinions presented in a news article.
PMI Diagram
If the task involves analyzing the plusses, minuses, and implicatios of a decision or
an action, use a PMI Chart. Example: Fill out a PMI Chart to help evaluate the
positive, negative and interesting points associated with taking a new job.
Decision Making Diagram
If the task is making a decision, use a graphic organizer to enumerate possible
alternatives and the pros and cons of each. Example: Fill out a desicion making
diagram to help decide which elective courses you'd like to take next quarter.
Semantic Feature Analysis Chart
If the task is comparing characteristics among a group of items, use Semantic
Feature Analysis . Example: Fill out a Semantic Feature Analysis chart to compare
and contrast the care needed for various pets.
CAUSE
EFFECT
Cause and Effect Diagram
If the task is examining possible causes and effects in a process, use a cause and
effect graphic organizer . Example: Fill out a cause-and-effect diagram to trace the
steps in a feedback loop..
KWHL Diagram
If the task involves analyzing and organizing what you know and what you want to
learn about a topic, use a KWHL chart. K stands for what you already KNOW about
the subject. W stands for what you WANT to learn. H stands for figuring out HOW
you can learn more about the topic. L stands for what you LEARN as you read.
Example: Fill out a KWHL chart before, during, and after you read about a topic.
Pie Chart
If the task involves showing divisions with a group, use a pie chart. Example: Draw
a pie chart to show what percentages of a population have blue eyes, green eyes,
or brown eyes.
Vocabulary Map
Graphic organizers can be useful in helping a student learn new vocabulary words,
having them list the word, it’s part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.), a
synonym, an antonym, a drawing that represents the word, and a sentence using
the word.
Paragraph Structure
These graphic organizers help you organize the structure of a paragraph, including
a topic sentence, sentences with support details, and a conclusion sentence.
5w’s Diagram
If the task involves analyzing the Five W's (Who, When, Where, What, and Why) of a story or event. Example: Fill out a 5 W's Chart to help evaluate and understand the major points of a newspaper story.
Story Map
Story maps can help a student summarize, analyze and understand a story or event.
Character Traits
Graphic organizers help the student identify the traits of fictional characters by
looking at events surrounding the character in the text.
Biography Diagram
Graphic organizers are useful to help prepare for writing a biography. Before
writing, the graphic organizer prompts the student to think about and list the major
events in the person's life.
Animal Report Diagram
Many graphic organizers are useful to help prepare for writing a report on animals.
Before writing, the student should think about and list the major topics that will be
researched and covered in the report.
Geography Report Diagram
These graphic organizers are useful to for doings a short report on a country or
other area. The student draws a map and flag, and looks up basic information on
the area.
Math Diagram
Many graphic organizers are useful to learn and do math, include Venn diagrams,
star diagrams, charts, flowcharts, trees, etc.
Scientific Method Diagram
Graphic organizers used to prepare and organize a scientific
experiment.
Brgy. Capt.
Sec.
Councilor Councilor
Tres
Councilor
Hierarchy Diagram
A graphic organizer that is used in a group to controls an organization and is
divided into different levels.
Flowchart of How to Choose a Graphic Organizer
To find an appropriate graphic organizer, answer the following questions about your
topic: